The Cities Coalition for Digital Rights' Mission 3 "Promote the use of digital technologies, data and AI for good" has released the final report on its AI Governance Maturity Survey.

The document is the result of an online survey conducted between May and June 2024 by representatives from the cities of Toronto and New York, in support of CC4DR Mission 3. In order to provide information on their municipalities' maturity in terms of AI governance, CC4DR members had the opportunity to answer questions focused on data governance initiatives, current or proposed use of AI, as well as perspectives on and integration of data ethics and digital rights. The survey featured respondents from diverse political environments, jurisdisctions and sizes, from North and South America, Europe and Asia.

How are municipalities using or considering AI?

With the rapid emergence of AI tools in recent years, there is an eagerness by organizations to tap into the promised potential of AI to innovate operations. At the same time, recognition of the risks and harms that may result from AI use, particularly unregulated use, illuminated the need for and importance of responsible governance supporting its adoption. 

The survey results show that there is growing interest in utilizing AI within the public sector, for a variety of purposes including chatbots, traffic management or cybersecurity. At the same time, a majority of respondents believe that it is important for local governments to play a role in the regulation of AI, in particular in connection with considerations around human rights issues such as data ethics. However, as cities are still progressing at different levels in terms of deployment and adoption of use cases and policies, the work of the CC4DR in promoting and supporting ethical municipal AI use remains critical.

Interested in learning more about the survey and cities' use of AI? 

Find the detailed report here